Queen's Birthday Honours 2000
Heading the list of local persons namedfor this year's Queen's Birthday Honours is David Wade Fosterwho will be made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of theBritish Empire (Civil Division) (OBE).
Louis Bernard Moncrieffe will be made aMember of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), while SuperintendentRudolph Lenbergh Dixon will receive the Colonial Police Medal(CPM).
In observing the official celebration ofthe monarch's 74th birthday, the Governor, Mr. Peter J. Smith,CBE, has also named four Caymanians to be awarded the Cayman IslandsCertificate and Badge of Honour (Cert. Hon.). Community stalwart,Mavis Vernell Clarke; businessman, Hubert Lawrence Coe Bodden,JP; marine conservationist, Joseph Ladner Watler; and school busoperator, Ornon Calvert Whittaker are all being recognized forservices to the community.
David Wade Foster, OBE Recipient
The Order of the British Empire (OBE) award hasbeen bestowed upon a man who has influenced Cayman's dinner tablesfor almost 20 years. And today Mr. David Foster continues to bea vital link between local and overseas producers and the consumersin Grand Cayman, whom he supplies with daily sustenance from theshelves of three Foster's Food Fair supermarkets.
But what some customers may not realise is that he also is heavilyinvolved in community work. Mr. Foster, 57, is president-electof the Chamber of Commerce; immediate past president of the CaymanMerchants Association; honorary chairman of the Young CaymanianLeaders Association; and a member of the Port Authority, NationalPensions, and Development Advisory boards. A loyal Rotarian, hisattendance at meetings has been perfect for more than 21 years.
Yet despite his achievements, receiving the OBE threw Mr. Fosterfor a loop. "To put it mildly, I was flabbergasted. It wasthe farthest thing from my mind," he recalls. "The Governorcalled me and I didn't know what to say. I was sitting there,groping for some answer."
In 1942, David Wade Foster was born in Kingston, Jamaica, to MinardLee Foster and the former Ivy Louise Lazzari, both of Cayman Brac.He recounts that before his arrival, the family had left Caymanin order to survive. "Remember, things were hard here,"he says. "The population was about 8,000, and 1,000 of thosewere men who were at sea at any one time. Jobs weren't plentiful."
Educated at Wolmer's Boy's School in Jamaica, young David foundhis first job with Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company. After thefamily returned to Cayman in 1961, he worked for British WestIndies Airlines (BWIA) for five years and it was during that time,in 1964, that Foster Brothers Limited was formed. The companyincluded an insurance sub-agency and Cico Rent-a-Car, and representedShaeffer pens and Louis Kelly drinks out of Jamaica. Mr. Foster'spartners were his brother, Steve, and an uncle, Woodrow Foster,whom he eventually bought out with a loan of £8,000.
One of his early jobs, as manager of Beach Club Colony's bar concession,came with a special benefit. That was where David Foster met RuthCarol Hatch, better known as Chi Chi; they married in 1967, andnow have five children.
Mr. Foster next worked in real estate for one year, moving onin 1972 to become managing director of Jacques Scott & Co.Eight years later he opened the first Foster's Food Fair in a5,000 square-foot warehouse. As he explains, "I wanted toconcentrate on retail sales. When I left Jacques Scott, it waswith the condition that I couldn't compete with them, and I neverhave." Today, none of the Foster companies are concernedwith the sale of alcoholic beverages. "That's also becauseof my mother's wishes," he adds. "She prayed every dayfor 15 years for us to get out of the liquor business. We did,and we've never looked back."
Throughout Mr. Foster's various enterprises, the family ties thatoriginally strengthened the companies have extended to includehis children. "Family is important," he emphasises."It's the most significant thing in my life, besides theGood Lord."
Foster's Food Fair opened with just a handful of employees in1970; today, the supermarkets employ 350 persons in three round-the-clockshifts, 365 days a year. Recently, Mr. Foster was named InternationalGrocers Association (IGA) Retailer of the Year, the first timethat the international conglomerate has awarded a grocer in theCaribbean. He and his team earned it in their first year of IGAmembership.
Mr. Foster attributes the success to on-the-job, as well as professional,training. He recounts that one of his most significant careerexperiences was a four-week hotel management course that he tookin 1968 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. "Thoseweeks were so packed with information and guidance," he notes."It showed us all the things we were doing wrong."He has used the course's model throughout all of his businessendeavours ever since.
"It mainly focused on customer service and good infrastructure,"he says. "That takes a lot of effort to build and maintain,and it takes time. People starting businesses, especially youngpeople, should realise that it is hard sometimes and that youhave to make sacrifices. Profits will come later.
"And once you have become successful, always remember thecommunity that made it possible. You should give back to the peoplewho have helped you so much, because your success or failure totallydepends on them."
Mr. Foster continues to thank people through his civic involvement,while still putting in 35 hours a week in semi-retirement. Thatleaves enough time to reap the rewards of hard work, includingthe intangible and irrevocable right to "be my natural self I don't have to impress anyone anymore," he says, smiling.
His (somewhat) slower pace has also given space to refocus onthe "one thousand things that are right" in his country."Cayman is fortunate, but we sometimes take things for granted,"he says. "We take the beach for granted, the people stop,and appreciate the things we have."
Louis Bernard Moncrieffe -MBE Recipient
The son of Lucian and Lucy, Louis Bernard Moncrieffewas born in 1928 in St. Mary, Jamaica. Remaining in that parishduring the formative years, Mr. Moncrieffe's schooling was completedat Kingston Technical High School.
Starting work at the Ministry of Work's Examination Depot, theyears in Jamaica were productive ones, with stints at Grace Kennedy,John Crook, Alcoa Minerals and Kaiser Bauxite. During that period,Mr. Moncrieffe met and courted Ruth, his Caymanian wife of 46years. Seven children were born and 15 years would pass before,in 1971, the family moved to Cayman.
Finding his niche in the public service, Mr. Moncrieffe firstbecame a senior clerical officer in the Treasury, which was thena part of the Finance Portfolio. Working his way up in just sevenyears a long-standing record he was promoted to ChiefAccountant in 1977, a position he retained until his retirementin 1988.
Reflecting that his greatest asset was always the "abilityto get along with other people," Mr. Moncrieffe was sooninvolved in the fledgling Cayman Islands Civil Service Association's(CICSA) management council. By the mid 1970s, the group was seekingareas to offset the impact of lower incomes and it was then thatMr. Moncrieffe the association's vice-president suggestedthe idea of a credit union.
With Mr. Moncrieffe appointed as assistant treasurer, a seven-memberstudy club was appointed to develop the idea. He recalls the detailswell: "Our credit union membership actually commenced withthe seven of us and with each one putting in five dollars, ourstart-up capital was just $35.00!" However, formal registrationfollowed in March 1976, with 36 members and assets of $1139.00.
The credit union will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary, withtoday's assets standing at $35 million and a current membershipof 4000. Throughout the years, Mr. Moncrieffe's contribution tothe CICSA success story has been well-documented by fellow foundationcolleagues and by credit union staffers. He has given unselfishservice to this non-profit organisation, contributing significantlyto its early growth and successful development. Retiring fromthe civil service in 1988, he was appointed CISCA's manager between1990 and 1995 and has otherwise served as vice-president and presidentof the board of directors. He remains a director today and retainsa fervent hope for the future: " My concern is that the unionremains true to its basic philosophies and the tenet of fulfillingmembers' needs rather than focusing on financial gain."
Church activities also keep Mr. Moncrieffe busy. A dedicated Christianfor whom "church is the most meaningful aspect of my life,"he is a St George's Anglican Church devotee. He is a member ofthe church management committee and has served as treasurer forthe last four years.
Also making his mark in agriculture "I do a littlefarming in Northward, raise some goats, grow a few mangoes andcitrus" Mr. Moncrieffe has already served two termsas chairman of the Farmers Market (1996-97) and is now a director."My aim is to see the market operate as an effective co-op,achieving its goal of economic independence," he states.In addition, he is active in the Cayman Islands Agricultural Society.
Mr. Louis Moncrieffe is deeply appreciative of the MBE award:"I never expected this level of recognition, for I have longbelieved that striving towards the things to which I am committedbrings its own satisfaction. Nevertheless, I am truly honoured and humbled to be acknowledged in this way."
His wife, who spoke for the entire family, echoed his sentiments."We are all grateful to everyone who had a role in this.Louis' accomplishments over the years have meant a lot to us andwe are proud and delighted that Cayman shares our feelings enoughto officially applaud his vision and dedication," Mrs. Moncrieffesaid.
Superintendent Rudolph LenberghDixon Colonial Police Medal (CPM) Recipient
SuperintendentRudolph Lenbergh Dixon has been awarded the Colonial Police Medalfor meritorious service as a police officer.
He was born in Spot Bay, Cayman Brac on November1st 1961. Son of Anelda and Henenburk Dixon, he attended SpottBay Primary School and Cayman Brac High School.
On August 15, 1979, at the age of 17, he joined the Royal CaymanIslands Police Service. He had intended to become a lawyer, buthis parents felt that he was too young to go overseas to study.He immediately put every effort into building his police career.
Superintendent Dixon has always placed emphasis on improving hisacademic and police knowledge, factors that have always been readilyevident. Graduating as a police recruit, he received the "BestStudent Award" and during subsequent training both locallyand overseas, he obtained exemplary grades and reports. His mostrecent accomplishment was receiving the "Best Student Award"for a Command Course in Barbados, facilitated by Bramshill PoliceCollege and the Royal Marines, in which 18 other senior officersfrom around the Caribbean took part.
During his service, Superintendent Dixon has also pursued tertiaryeducation, earning an associated degree in Public Administrationfrom the International College of the Cayman Islands and he iscurrently undertaking a master's degree in the same field.
Commissioner of Police Mr. David Thursfield commented; "Heis an officer who is always keen to take on new policing challengesand has been successful in many of them during his career. Oneof note was his leadership of an investigation into a global gamblingring on the Internet, which resulted in a number of convictionsand a large sum of money and equipment being forfeited to theCayman Islands Government."
In the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Superintendent Dixonhas worn many hats. He has worked in the Traffic and, the TrainingDepartments, been in charge of operations at Central Police Stationand overall operations manager of the Uniformed Branch. He iscurrently in charge of future and contingency planning, as wellas the Inspectorate.
Superintendent Dixon is also involved in other activities withinthe police service. He is currently Chairman of the Police WelfareCommittee and the Police Association. He has been Chairman ofthe Police Week Committee, Chairman and founding member of thePolice "Say No To Drugs" Committee, Chairman of thePolice Fishing Tournament Committee and a member of other workingcommittees.
The superintendent is a Rotarian and a past Assistant Secretaryof the Boy Scouts Executive Committee.
Mavis Vernel Clarke -
Cayman Islands Certificateand Badge of Honour
Mrs.Mavis Vernell Clarke, 58, has been awarded the Cayman IslandsCertificate and Badge of Honour for her services and dedicationto the community.
Mrs. Clarke, whom everyone calls Vernell, says she was "bornto be active." At a young age she began caring for numerouschildren, and continued to do so even after having seven of herown. Assisting with child-rearing is still a large part of herday. "Children just seem to find me," she says, laughing."The grown ones still call me for advice." She alsocares for older persons, and cooks and decorates for weddings,socials and funerals.
Her helping hand even extends overseas. Mrs. Clarke notes thatshe is known for flying to Miami to be by the bedsides of familymembers and close friends who are ill.
For 13 years, Mrs. Clarke has been a member of The Fifties Club,a small band of women who socialise and host community eventstogether. The group's name originated with the 1950s-style dressesthat they used to wear. "We keep a party for each club member'sbirthday, and organise socials for older persons on the holidays,"she explains. "We have a good time at those. We invite theyoung people to dance and entertain, and we give the older personsgifts."
And, although she is usually busy with community matters, Mrs.Clarke still prepares extended-family dinners on Sundays. "Myold-time tradition is still going, and I enjoy it," she says.
She also finds time to attend the Robert Young United Church onCrewe Road (which she mentions was filled with 23 persons forthe Mother's Day service). She finds that the small church suitsher personality.
"I'm not really big in the community," Mrs. Clarkesays. "I'm in every little thing because I'm an all-aroundperson. But I just like to stay in my small groups. We'll worktogether until we get it done.
"It makes me feel really good that I can do these things.People believe that I can help, and I do what I can."
Mr. Hubert Bodden, JP
Certificate and Badgeof Honour
Mr.Hubert Bodden, JP is surprised when he is asked to recall thecommunity projects he is being honoured for. Elizabeth, his wifeand the family business bookkeeper, explains how her husband'sknowledge of local concerns led to donating time, land, equipment,and manpower to various projects. "Many times Hubert wouldsay, 'Don't charge them for that', giving this or that reason.He moved heavy equipment for free, donated the use of our handicapvan to tourists, and let farmers plant crops on our land withoutcharge," she says.
A Justice of the Peace and a Special Constable, Mr. Hubert isalso on the Central Tenders Committee, the Agricultural Industrialand Development Board, and the Pensions Board. He is an honorarymember of the Lions Club.
When prompted, Mr. Hubert talks about working on the Savannah-Newlandsplaying field, as well as the Airport and the Queen ElizabethII Botanic parks.
For the Savannah-Newlands community where he was born and raised,he and his two brothers donated land by Pedro Castle and builta playing field. Mr. Hubert regards this as a work in progress,explaining, "There's some very hard rock to bust down thatI hope to get to one day soon." The Airport Park plus thearea northwest of the runway was a major project: "Someonehad excavated there, and it was all swampy. We had to clean itout, fill it, put in soil, plow and level it off," he recalls.
A recipient of a plaque from the National Trust for his work onthe botanic park, Mr. Hubert is a real nature lover, happy thatthe park gives residents and visitors an opportunity to experienceCayman's "bush." The park prompts a story concerningolder Caymanians and residents. "I went up there one day,and four of them were swinging machetes, clearing the trail thatruns in a loop. It was hot in that dense bush; no breeze was gettingthrough. And there was an eighty-year old woman swinging a machete.I wish some of the young people we have today could have seenthat," he comments.
Mr. Hubert owns Caribbean Stone Products Ltd. and Bodden &Bodden Development Co. Ltd. The latter is the heavy equipmentbusiness that many associate with him since much of that equipmentis to be seen parked close to his family's Newlands home. He isalso part owner of Island Paving (1998) Ltd.
Besides the heavy equipment and the cows and horses that are theprimary care of his brother Abshire, people always associate acowboy's hat and boots with Hubert Bodden. "It's my dresscode," he states, "even in church."
This will be a busy long-weekend for him. Sunday is his 71st birthdayas well as Father's Day (the couple have two children, Barry andCindy), and 40th wedding anniversary. He caps it all by beingselected to receive his Islands' highest honour. Of this, Mr.Hubert says, "I am very thankful. I appreciate it very much.You do things and you never expect anything in return, so thiscomes as a real surprise."
Joseph Ladner Watler
Certificate and Badgeof Honour
Mr.Joseph Ladner Watler Senior has been awarded the Cayman IslandsCertificate and Badge of Honour for services to the community,particularly for his marine conservation work and his heroismat sea.
Mr. Watler known by many as Ladner was born in GeorgeTown on October 15, 1947 to the late Joseph and Sheila Watler.For several years he attended the old Prep School behind the library,before moving to Triple C to complete his education. Upon leavingthere, he began work for Bob Soto as a dive master, a job thathe held for two years before going to work with his father atDelworth's Esso.
In 1974, Mr. Watler joined the Royal Cayman Islands Police asa constable. He spent time at Central Police Station, CID andSpecial Branch where he remained until he left the service. Duringhis time with the police, he received numerous awards and commendations,most notably in 1988 a commendation from Her Majesty the Queenfor brave conduct.
Mr. Watler next became the Cayman Islands first Marine EnforcementOfficer, charged with enforcing the Marine Conservation Law. Heexplains that the first three years were difficult, for it wasa case of educating the public on the importance of replenishingthe marine environment. He feels that the public has taken thecritical nature of this task on board and that the law now policesitself.
However, his job also involves responding to a great number ofmarine emergencies, from suspected drowning to vessels in distress,from boating accidents to jet skis speeding in restricted areas.
In recent years Mr. Watler has been responsible for rescuing overfour dozen people from almost certain death due to his timelyresponses and dedication to his job. While his diligence has earnedhim recognition and thanks from the 9-1-1 Emergency Unit and theRotary Club of Grand Cayman, he expresses his own appreciationto family, friends and colleagues for the level of support thathas helped to make his accomplishments possible.
Mr. Watler is the proud father of three: Stephanie Grizzel, JosephLadner Watler Jr. and Sheila Jennifer Watler.
Ornon Whittaker
Certificate and Badgeof Honour
Mr.Ornon Calvert Whittaker is being awarded the Certificate and Badgeof Honour for services to the community, recognition that reflectsmany years of helping others, particularly in the area of transportation.
Following in traditional footsteps, Mr. Whittaker joined the crewof a tanker and went to sea at the age of 16, work that he wouldcontinue for another 25 years. During that period he married Gwenievere,his wife of over 50 years and in 1964, having given up the sea,he returned to work at home.
Displaying the resilience and ingenuity that brought the Caymanthat arose, especially those in service to his fellow man.
Seeing the need for bus transportation for students, many of whomtravelled from Bodden Town to the high school, then located behindthe Public Library, he secured a 66-seater bus and began the service.For the first year parents paid f but thereafter, a governmentcontract was awarded for the transportation of the students. Nowoperating eight 72-seaters, the Whittaker buses serve an expandedroute, encompassing East End and North Side, carrying studentsof both the George Hicks and John Gray schools.
Mr. Whittaker's buses have also found use as Sunday school transportation,as well as for other special events such as the National HurricaneCommittee's emergency evacuation plans.
However, the efforts would expand beyond the scope of the busservice; while the students were in school, Mr. Whittaker spentthe first few years driving a snack wagon from which he sold icecream and snacks to residents and workers at construction sites.Eventually, he was asked to provide this service to the high school.Mr. Whittaker soon obtained a dedicated school lunch wagon, whilecontinuing to serve the public from another.
The school service continued when the new John Gary High Schoolwas built and in 1979, when the new George Hicks Middle Schoolwas opened, he was asked to transfer his contract there. He hasprovided this service exclusively since then.
Through all these changes, the support of his wife and their threechildren Clyde, Winsome and McLarin was an essential element ofthe services he provided, and the Whittaker family was also ableto maintain a religious and civic-minded approach to life. Anactive member of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman since 1973, Mr.Whittaker has been a member and strong supporter of the BoddenTown Presbyterian Church over the years.
His other passions, especially now that he is "semi-retired"are his grandchildren and deep-sea fishing. The highlight of thelatter came in 1990, when he and his sons won the Million DollarMonth competition.
Mr. Whittaker's personal philosophy is to take "One day ata time," and to treat each person he meets as "Somemother's child" a philosophy that is reflected in thenames of his two boats.
Congratulations to Mrs. JoyBasdeo
Royal Awardof Member of the British Empire
On receiving today her Royal Award of Member ofthe British Empire, from His Excellency the Governor, Mr. PeterSmith representing Her Majesty the Queen - which was bestowedon the Queen's Birthday list of 1999 - for her contribution tothe National Development and Vision 2008 Plan, and her long servicein the area of Education for the Cayman Islands.
Male and Female Sports Personsof the Year 1999
Schwannah McCarthy
MissSchwannah McCarthy (daughter of Financial Secretary the Hon. GeorgeMcCarthy and Debra McCarthy), has represented the Cayman Islandsin Track & Field events in the Caribbean and Sweden. She isa junior athlete whose main event is the 100m High Hurdle andhas participated in the Cayman Women's 4x400m relay and 4x100mrelay teams. She is well mannered, has good behaviour and characterand serves as a positive role model for her peers. Miss McCarthywas a Rotarian Leader for a conference held in St. Petersburg,Florida. She also assists at School and the Club with young Athletes.The Highlights of Miss McCarthy's athletic achievements in 1999are as follows:
Carifta Games - 100m LowHurdles - Bronze Medal
Natwest Island Games - Gotland, Sweden- 100m High Hurdles - GoldMedal
Natwest Island Games - Gotland Sweden - 4x100m Relay - Gold Medal
Natwest Island Games - Gotland Sweden - 4x100m Relay - Gold Medal
Junior Pan Am Championships - Florida - 100m High Hurdles - Participated
Kareem Streete-Thompson
Mr.Kareem Streete-Thompson, (son of the late Valerie Thompson), aworld famous Track and Field athelete, represented the CaymanIslands during his junior years before going to the United Stateswhere he studied and undertook training as a professional athlete.In october 1999, Mr. Streete-Thompson signed a contract with theCayman Islands Government to represent the Cayman Islands as aGoodwill Ambassador effective 18 July 1999, when he began representingthe Cayman Islands. Since this time, Mr. Street-Thompson has representedthe Cayman Islands in a number of Track & Field (Long Jump& 100m) events and 1999 achievements are as follows:
VIII Pan American Games- Winnipeg, Canada - Long Jump - Silver Medal
World Championship finals - Seville, Spain - 100 m - 8th
Prefontaine Classic - USA - Long Jump - 1st
I.A.A.F. Grand Prix - Japan - Long Jump - 2nd
I.S.T.A.F. 1999 - Berlin - Long Jump - 2nd
Hercules Zepter Games - Monaco - Long Jump - 3rd
Mobile Bisslett Games - Norway - Long Jump - 4th
In 1999, Mr. Street-Thompson was ranked9th in the World in Long Jump and 32nd in the World for the 100mby the International Amateur Athletic Federation. Mr. Streete-Thompsonhas assisted with coaching with the CAF Track Club as well asbeing a Founding Member of the Club. He has assisted the CI AmateurAthletic Association with the preparation of young athletes aswell as assisted in obtaining uniforms for the CI National AthleticTeam from Nike. Through his contractual agreement, in 1999 heassisted the Women's Resource Centre in a walkathon and assistedin the launching of the draft National Youth Policy by participatingin the National Youth Forum. Mr. Streete-Thompson will be representingthe Cayman Islands in the upcoming Olympics being held in Australia,September - October 2000.
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